Benitez took charge of Newcastle towards the end of this past season and improved their performances on the pitch, but it wasn’t enough in the end as the club suffered relegation to the Championship.

Most supporters and current staff at the Tyneside club want the Spaniard to stay on and guide the team back to the Premier League next season, and it’s quite understandable why.

One of Benitez's former players, Michu, has nothing but good things to say about the former Napoli and Real Madrid boss.

“In Naples unfortunately I didn’t play very much, but I was very lucky to be able to see how the phenomenal Rafa Benitez worked,” Michu, who worked with Benitez at Napoli, explained to the Chronicle.

“He is totally focused on football and makes his ideas very clear and easy for the team and individuals to understand.”

It will be interesting to see how many current Newcastle players stick around now the club have been relegated, and whether their decision could depend on the future of Benitez.

The former Madrid boss is a renowned tactician, and there were clear signs towards the back-end of last season that his team were improving under his guidance and capable of competing in the top-flight.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.